He moved to North Yorkshire 20 years ago, after working in his family’s carpet business in Kent, before moving onto managerial positions in Northallerton and Bedale.

After suffering a heart attack, he began working for Tesco and became a line manager in the supermarket chain’s fish department, as well as a staff trainer.

He also wrote six books on country crafts and various newspaper and magazine articles, as well as working as a TV extra and studying for a master’s degree in history. UKIP will be able to nominate
a new candidate, and all other candidates’ nominations will remain valid unless they withdraw, with no new nominations being allowed.

Mr Roberts said: “It was with great sadness I heard of the death of John Boakes.

“I know of him as a man of real conviction and passion who was highly thought of and will be greatly missed.

“I have cancelled forthcoming election events and am suspending my campaign as a mark of respect for a man who shared my passion for our community.”

Ms McIntosh said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by John’s death and I send his family my deepest sympathy.”

Mr Keal also said he was “deeply shocked” by the news. Godfrey Bloom, the UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “He was a lovely man, a real gentleman who was well respected and will be much
missed by many people.”

Nick Blitz, election agent for the Liberal Party in Thirsk and Malton, said: “We add our condolences to the family of John Boakes.”